Meet the close-knit team of Karen's Village Salon, Karen (center), Melynda, "Dolly" and Janice - and check out their $5.00 coupon.

There is an indescribable sentiment and nostalgia about places like Karen's Village Salon on West Shore Road. This neighborhood salon could easily have been used as a set in the classic movie "Steel Magnolias" - except this place is not a director's vision, it is Karen's - and it is real. Owner Karen De Ciutiis is spirited, quick-witted, warm and engaging. Karen has been in the hair-styling business for 30 years, and is joined by three equally experienced and lively stylists in her friendly Warwick salon. What ties these colleagues together goes far beyond what you would find in a Hollywood movie. These stylists love and care for their largely senior-aged customers. It is this TLC that keeps bringing these customers back for their weekly curls, laughs and good times.

Karen's Village Salon, formerly known as the Conimicut Village Salon, has been at this location for 18 years. Loyal customers like Ruth, Diane and Rita come every week to have their hair coiffed and fussed over, not only because of how they look but because of "how great they feel". When their clients leave here, they feel as good on the inside as they look on the outside. Karen and her stylists Melynda, Janice and Darlene ("Dolly") treat their clients like members of their own families. They know what makes them look their best and have the kind of mutual affection that only comes from years of forging friendships, and trust. While everyone is welcome at Karen's Village Salon - each hairdresser has a special affinity for the elderly, and it shows in the way they are pampered when they come in.

Karen's Village Salon is designed especially for their customers. The salon is fully handicap accessible - easy to maneuver canes and walkers throughout, and has generous close parking. Each stylist has her own sink and station - so there is never any waiting. Everything is done to accommodate clients of any age. As Marc, one of Melynda's clients says, "I feel comfortable getting my hair and beard trimmed here. The chit-chat gets me chuckling too".

The stylists keep up with current trends, cuts and techniques. Every kind of hairstyling service is offered, for both men and women. If you have thinning hair or wear a wig, Karen's is just a phone call away. Each hairdresser has years of experience with "roller setting" as well as shaping/styling wigs. Waxing is a newer service that is requested often! This is as traditional and as obliging a salon as there ever was - and above all else, it is extremely affordable.

Karen's Village Salon, located at 459 West Shore Road in the Bay Plaza, is open Wednesday - Saturday. Karen and her stylists are offering five dollars off your first visit!